Mr Experience is now Mr Independent.
Donny Benét, the Australian singer, songwriter and bass-player, preps the release of Infinite Desires, the first through his new indie label, Donnyland Records.
Benét’s sixth studio album, Infinite Desires is due out Feb. 29, 2024, with distribution through The Orchard. The first cab off the rank is “Multiply,” with two more singles slated for release in the months ahead.
A neo-disco banger, “Multiply” marks a new era for Benét, who, in addition to assuming label-chief duties, is once again self-managed. “I’m completely indie,” he tells Billboard.
With Donnyland Records, Benét can “control how I release music,” which will include some “really cool side projects.”
Benét, who earned a master’s degree in jazz performance and, in “a past life,” was “an accomplished jazz musician,” he admits, will support the LP release with tours of Australasia, North America, the U.K. and Europe.
Infinite Desires is the followup to Mr Experience (via Dot Dash/ Remote Control Record), which opened at No. 26 on the ARIA Albums Chart in May 2020. Due to the spread of COVID-19, however, the Don’s touring ambitions were curtailed. That’s history, and Benét is keen to make up for lost time.
“We’ve dragged out Mr Experience as long as we can. And yeah, it’s had some time to breathe, which is cool,” he explains. “I’m looking forward to (playing songs from the album). I’ve only done one run in Europe with it. So, we’re not going to hang it up just yet.”
Benét is a reigning champion at the AIR Awards, his instrumental Le Piano, winning for best independent jazz album or EP at the 2023 edition in Adelaide.
Based in Sydney, Benét’s inimitable style and sounds have pulled the artist a global cult following; it’s a blend of string of groovy tunes with ‘80s panache, time-machine pastel suits, and a look that’s been described as that of a badass who stepped out of Grand Theft Auto.
Classic Don cuts include “Girl of My Dreams,” “Second Dinner,” “Santorini” and “Konichiwa,” which featured on The Weeknd’s Handpicked playlist showcasing 24 songs that inspired After Hours.
Benét warms up for his world tour with a handful of dates early December in New Zealand, followed by a run of concerts across the U.K. and Europe through March and April 2024. The North America jaunt is due to start April 23 at Mohawk, Austin, TX, and is followed by a homecoming lap in mid-2024.
Visit donnybenet.com for more.
